Lecture Notes: Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

Overview

• Title: Mrs. Dalloway
• Author: Virginia Woolf
• Release Date: October 13, 2023
• Original Publication: 1925, New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc.
• Language: English
• Genre: Fiction

Synopsis

Mrs. Dalloway is a novel that intricately explores a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a high-society woman in post-World War I England. The narrative delves into her thoughts, memories, and the events surrounding a party she plans to host.

Key Themes

• Time and Memory: The novel emphasizes the fluidity of time and how past experiences constantly influence the present.
• Identity and Society: Explores personal identity against societal expectations.
• Mental Health: Portrays post-war trauma through characters like Septimus Warren Smith.
• Feminism and Gender Roles: Critiques the roles and expectations of women in society.

Characters

• Clarissa Dalloway: Protagonist, a socialite planning a party.
• Richard Dalloway: Clarissa’s husband, a member of Parliament.
• Peter Walsh: Clarissa’s former suitor, recently returned from India.
• Septimus Warren Smith: A war veteran suffering from PTSD.
• Lucrezia Warren Smith: Septimus’s wife, struggling with his mental health.
• Sally Seton: Clarissa’s friend from the past.
• Hugh Whitbread: A charming yet superficial acquaintance.
• Lady Bruton: A woman interested in politics over social niceties.

Plot Summary

• The novel opens with Clarissa Dalloway preparing for her evening party.
• Clarissa reflects on her past, including her friendship with Sally Seton and her choice not to marry Peter Walsh.
• Septimus Warren Smith, a shell-shocked war veteran, navigates the city, haunted by hallucinations of his dead friend Evans.
• Richard Dalloway buys flowers for Clarissa, but struggles to convey his feelings.
• Throughout the day, various characters’ thoughts and experiences intersect, exploring themes of mental health, societal roles, and existential reflections.
• Climax: During the party, Clarissa learns about Septimus's suicide, causing her to reflect on life and mortality.

Literary Devices

• Stream of Consciousness: Woolf employs this technique to reveal the inner thoughts and emotions of characters.
• Symbolism: Big Ben represents time’s passage, and flowers symbolize life and beauty.
• Motifs: The recurring presence of parties and social gatherings highlight societal expectations and personal connections.

Critical Reception

• "Mrs. Dalloway" is celebrated for its innovative narrative style and profound exploration of consciousness and time.
• Woolf’s portrayal of psychological depth and character introspection is widely praised.

Conclusion

Mrs. Dalloway is a landmark in modernist literature, offering profound insights into human consciousness, societal expectations, and the complexities of daily life. It remains a staple in literary studies for its thematic depth and stylistic innovation.